Preview: Manchester City v Newcastle United

By Dan King

Newcastle face big-spending Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday, looking for their first win against The Blues in ten seasons.

It was back in 2000/01 when a late Alan Shearer goal gave United the three points at their old Maine Road ground, but since then City have enjoyed a home stanglehold over Newcastle - most recently winning 2-1 two seasons ago despite a consolation goal from Andy Carroll.

Sunday should see Joey Barton line up against his former club, while it is also set to be the 100th Newcastle appearance for Jose Enrique since he first pulled on the black and white shirt in a 2-0 Carling Cup win against Barnsley.

Chris Hughton is unlikely to make wholesale changes despite the disappointing defeat to Stoke last weekend, but could be tempted to turn to the likes of Ryan Taylor and Shola Ameobi, who impressed against Chelsea but could not break into what was a winning team ahead of The Potters' visit. Sol Campbell has trained this week after a slight thigh injury saw him miss out last weekend and Xisco is available following a three-match ban.

Shay Given is unlikely to start against the club he served with such distinction, as he has fell below Joe Hart in the pecking order, while Craig Bellamy has been loaned out to Cardiff. James Milner, however, is one former United man who should come up against his old side.

Pablo Zabaleta was injured during City's 1-1 Europa League draw with Juventus. The Argentine is a close friend of Jonas Gutierrez but is unlikely to get the chance to face him on Sunday.

Kick-off on Sunday is 1.30pm, and the game will be screened live on ESPN. A win for United would be their 250th Premier League victory.

Manchester City

25

Joe Hart

17

Jerome Boateng

28

Kolo Toure

4

Vincent Kompany

19

Joleon Lescott

34

Nigel de Jong

18

Gareth Barry

21

David Silva

42

Yaya Toure

7

James Milner

32

Carlos Tevez

Substitutions

38

Dedryck Boyata

27

Joao Alves Jo

24

Patrick Vieira

1

Shay Given

11

Adam Johnson

9

Emmanuel Adebayor

14

Roque Santa Cruz

Possession (%)

43

57

Shots on target

5

4

Shots off target

4

4

Corners

4

4

Fouls

11

13

Toure

Most fouls

Tiote

2

5

Yellow cards

3

2

Red cards

0

0

Newcastle

26

Tim Krul

14

James Perch

06

Mike Williamson

02

Fabricio Coloccini

03

Sanchez Jose Enrique

37

Hatem Ben Arfa

04

Kevin Nolan

24

Cheick Tiote

07

Joey Barton

18

Jonas Gutierrez

23

Shola Ameobi

Substitutions

09

Andy Carroll

16

Ryan Taylor

10

Wayne Routledge

11

Peter Lovenkrands

33

Ole Soderberg

05

Sol Campbell

17

Alan Smith

During the match we will bring you official “ball by ball” text commentary which will appear below.

90:00 (2:58)

Foul by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle) on James Milner(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Patrick Vieira(Man City) from right channel, passed.